E. coli In Lower Saxony Linked To Bean Sprouts By Germany CDC

E. coli in Lower Saxony may have been from bean sprouts, according to a report published by Germany‘s center for disease control headed by Reinhard Burger from Robert Koch Institute.

Bean sprouts, E. coli source? Image Credit: CTV News

Based on the reports by several international news sites on Friday, June 10, 2011, a new set of data, released in Germany, strongly suggests the link between locally produced bean sprouts to the widespread of E. coli.

The E. coli outbreak has already affected at least 3,000 people and have taken the lives of at least 29 individuals in Germany. Affected individuals may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) as the E. coli bacteria attack the kidneys and nervous system.

Earlier reports said that German officials pointed the spread of E. coli on imported cucumbers, but they now suspect bean sprouts.

Due to the recent development, Russia has lifted its ban on imports of fresh vegetables from the European Union in return for guarantees.

According to Burger, they have gathered enough data to prove that the bean sprouts were the source of the outbreak in Lower Saxony. He added that they are now removing its warning against eating cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce.